Your Library Card

Who can get a library card, how to apply, and how to use your library card.

To apply for a card:

Pick up an application at the circulation desk or download and print your own copy. Once you have filled out your application, you may turn it in at the circulation desk. Remember to include your middle initial, date of birth, driver's license number, and signature. We will also need to see proof of your current address. You may bring in your license or a piece of mail if you have just recently moved.

Once we have your application, we will try to have your card ready within the next few days. You can pick it up the next time you come visit at the circulation desk.

When you are ready to check out library materials, hand your card to our staff. We will scan it and then check out your materials.

Checking out books and other materials:

Books: All books may be checked out for two weeks.

Magazines: The most recent issue of a magazine has an overnight checkout. All other magazines may be checked out for two weeks. All children's magazines have a two-week checkout.

Movies: New DVDs may be checked out overnight. Older DVDs and movies on VHS have a three-day checkout. DVDs with a three-day checkout have a sticker on their spine.

Audiobooks: Books on tape and CD are available for two-week checkout.

CDs: CDs have a two-week checkout period.

Other materials: Puzzles, games, and children's puppets may generally be checked out for two weeks.

Returning Items:

Items may be returned at the circulation desk during library hours. There is also a book drop located outside the library on the northeast corner of the building where you may return your library materials.

Renewing Items:

Library materials may be renewed one time for its specified circulation period, unless that material has been placed on reserve. Then it may not be renewed. A second renewal is possible at the discretion of the librarian. Individuals can request a specific return date for special circumstances (i.e. hospital stays, vacations and special collections to school, etc.) Material on second renewal may be recalled if its use is requested by another patron.

You may renew items either in the library or by telephone at 641-366-2583. Our library staff can also show you how you can use our online card catalog to renew items from home.

Reserves:

Patrons can request that materials be placed on hold for them. Requests can be made at the library or by phone at 641-366-2583. Our library staff can also show you how you can use our online card catalog to reserve items from home.

Please note, materials must be picked up within two days after we have notified you of their availability. If the items are not picked up within two days, your name will be moved down one on the list or the materials will be returned to the general collection.

Overdue, lost, or damaged materials:

The library staff will attempt to notify you at least twice about overdue items. Patrons with consistent overdues may have some or all their library privileges restricted.

If library materials are lost, patrons are expected to pay the retail replacement cost of the items.

Repairs for damaged materials and equipment will be assessed to patrons if it is apparent that the damage was not caused by natural everday use of such items. The retail cost of the materials or equipment will be assessed if the items are beyond repair and must be replaced.